KARACHI:
At least eleven people were injured when armed men on two motorcycles threw hand grenades near an election office of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in Kharadar.
Police officials said the Lyari gangsters were behind the attacks, adding that the grenades were thrown within walking distance of the election office as they were not able to reach the spot due to tight security.
The explosions caused damage to the shops located in the vicinity, injuring eleven people who were rushed to Karachi Civil Hospital for treatment. According to the medico-legal officer, Dr Aftab Channar, of the eleven wounded brought to the hospital, two were in critical condition.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Old City SP Ahmed Jamal said that cross-firing ensued between the two groups after the grenade attacks, which caused fear and panic in the locality. He was of the opinion, however, that no party office had been targeted in the attacks and that the grenades were thrown at the shops in the area. No case has been registered yet.
Earlier on Saturday night, MQM activist, Raheel alias Raju, 26, was shot and injured by armed men when he, accompanied by others, was putting up the party’s flags in Kharadar’s adjoining area, Mohabbat Khan Ji Road in Baghdadi, Lyari.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 22nd, 2013.